Come and enjoy the pictures, sharing of information and events relating to the sugar art; namely cake decorating. Diane Shavkin's new and innovated techniques will be posted and described as well as pictures of her work showing these techniques. Learn what Diane is up to in the cake decorating world, where she is traveling next to teach, demo and/or judge. Find out what events are taking place and how Diane became interested in cake decorating.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

A great deal has been going on in my cake decorating world especially since my teaching at the NY Cake Convention. I got back home and finished the cake for Annie and Tom, the owners of Makins. They are such super nice people. The cake was packed as best as my husband and I could and sent on its way. The cake was to arrive this past Thursday which I am sure it did. The convention starts on Monday.

What I like about my techniques is that they is no frosting to make nor to pipe, and I can just keep on going with the creating using the fondant without stopping to make frosting. And, I do not have frosting, bags and tips to wash! I just wrap the fondant or gum paste and pop right into a container. That is it!

I also just love the Sugarpaste's Crystal Colors and Crystalized Colors especially the Fairy Pin, Gold and Silver. Due to the fact that the colors are FDA approved and are in reality food colors, I can tint the fondant safely and have the colors in the same "family" and those that I paint with.

My "Puffed Embroidery" that I developed in 1984, is a pretty technique that is becoming quite popular. I just taught a class, today; and the students want more! Like once a month. Also, we are thinking of starting a cake club in this area as the students are all under an hour from me. And, they are the nicest and most thoughtful that you would ever want to meet.

Soooooooooo, Annie and Tom I hope you have a wonderful and successful convention. I will be looking forward to hearing all about it. I know you said you were going to take lots of pictures. Looking forward to working more and more with you both.

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About Me

I grew up seeing my mom decorate cakes, cupcakes and cookies.
In 1968, I was given the Wilton yearbook and some basic supplies.
Around 1975, I entered a cake show and saw Meeche Noone's gum paste miniatures. I began to hand mold miniatures and create wood grained effects in sugar.
In 1981, I won First Place and Felicitations of the Jury at the Culinery Cake Show. In 1982 I won Best of Show for my gum paste miniatures magic show and woodland scene. As suggested by Mary Beth Enderson, I brought my "Magic Touch" to the 1982 ICES Convention. I became very involved in ICES and was awarded the Wilbur Brand Memorial Service award for excellence in service.
I have innovated techniques such as "Puffed Embroidery", the attached ruffle and the dig-in ruffles which I will be teaching and demonstrating at the NY Cake Convention in NYC in January 2010.